PM with particle sizes less than 10 microns, which are known as respirable suspended particulates or PM10, can get deep into the lungs and cause a broad range of health effects, in particular, respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, including –

Increasing respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the air-ways, coughing, or difficulty in breathing;

Decreasing lung function;

Aggravation of asthma;

Development of chronic bronchitis;

Adverse effects on the cardiovascular system;

Premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

People with heart or lung disease, children and the elderly are most likely to be affected by particulate pollution.

Recent medical researches show that the risk for various health impacts increases with exposure and there is little evidence to suggest a threshold below which no adverse health effects would be anticipated. It has also been shown that the health risks would be higher for those particles with particle sizes of 2.5 microns or less, which are commonly referred to as fine suspended particles or PM2.5.